Feeling underpaid and overworked? Shuddering at the thought of the next tax season? Well, you’re not alone. 35% of finance workers say they expect a salary increase in the next 12 months based on consistency exceeding performance goals*. When it comes to supporting accountants in 2025, ChangeGPS General Manager and accountant advocate David Boyar believes that raising salaries is pivotal.In a recent episode of Accountants Daily Insider, Boyar expressed his perspective that increasing remuneration will help to alleviate accounting’s talent scarcity issues – attracting more people to the industry and helping them to stay.After all, accountants play a fundamental role in Australian businesses, helping to ensure financial accuracy, compliance and efficiency. As an accounting professional, you will provide valuable services spanning financial reporting, taxation, auditing, insolvency, accounting information systems, budgeting, cost management and strategic planning. Related: What accounting careers have to offerWhile nearly half of employers are looking to hire accounting talent in 2025*, it must be noted that your accounting salary will depend on many factors, including the three below: 1. Education and certificationIn Australia, it’s generally expected that accounting professionals pursue a formal education to build their foundational skills. A degree, although not always mandatory, is advantageous in an accountancy career. A Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Business Studies, Economics or Management is particularly valuable. According to Jobs and Skills Australia, 56.4% of Accountants hold a Bachelor’s Degree, while 29.1% hold a Post Graduate/Graduate Diploma or Graduate Certificate.In addition to tertiary study, accounting positions will typically require professional certification. In Australia, there are three major accounting bodies with whom an accounting professional can gain accreditation:Certified Practicing Accountants (CPA Australia)Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia (CA Australia)Institute of Public AccountantsIt’s important to note that there are a number of international accounting bodies that are recognised in Australia, too.As outlined in the Robert Half Salary Guide, some of the most in-demand certifications and degrees in finance and accounting include: CA/CPAACCA/CIMACTA/CFAMBARelated: CA vs CPA: Which accounting qualification is right for you?2. SkillsFormal education, practical experience and a commitment to continuous learning can help you build and grow your accounting skill set. As an accounting professional in Australia, you’ll need a combination of technical, interpersonal and problem-solving skills to stay agile and adaptable in the finance sector. Some essential technical skills include: Accounting software proficiency – From FreshBooks to MYOB, QuickBooks to Xero, expertise in accounting applications will help you boost accuracy and efficiency while streamlining processes. Advanced Microsoft Excel literacy – Whether you’re analysing, managing or presenting data, Excel is an indispensable tool for accounting professionals across the globe. A solid understanding of accounting standards – Without an awareness of the Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and the International Financial Reporting Standards, you’re missing a trick! In the world of finance and accounting, these principles provide an important baseline for consistency. Strong financial and data analysis capabilities – The ability to analyse and interpret data is paramount. Familiarity with tools like Power BI, Tableau, or other analytics platforms will also prove valuable in generating deeper insights to inform business decisions. General business knowledge – Want to optimise your relationships outside the finance sector? Take the time to understand the needs of your stakeholders and their businesses – it’s sure to give you a deeper insight into their concerns and their motivations. Some essential soft skills include: Problem-solving – To proactively analyse complex problems, think critically and implement effective solutions. Communication and collaboration – To liaise with multidisciplinary teams and drive value across the organisation. Adaptability – To effectively manage and adjust to change (i.e., ever-changing protocols, tech development and new workplace dynamics). Stakeholder management – To build prosperous partnerships, address concerns, influence decision making and align organisational goals. Leadership and business partnering – To guide teams and actively contribute to strategic decision-making. This is perhaps the most crucial component in elevating your role from a financial manager to a trusted and strategic advisor. Related: 10 financial skills to include in your CV3. ExperienceThe extent of experience required for Australian accounting professionals can vary depending on the role’s seniority, the industry and specific employer requirements. Irrespective of your formal qualifications, organisations expect their finance and accounting professionals to have a proven track record of practical experience, technical proficiency, problem-solving capabilities and business acumen. Let’s take a look at the expected experience for different levels of seniority.Entry-level positionsPractical experience – Recent graduates who may have completed internships or relevant academic projects or, who have spent time working in customer-facing roles. Basic work experience – 0-2 years of relevant experience in a junior or support role to learn and build key skills.Mid-level positionsProfessional experience – 3-7 years of hands-on experience in finance and accounting roles. Specialised skills - Specialised knowledge and expertise with additional certifications like CPA or CA. Demonstrated capabilities – A proven track record of financial reporting and analysis, compliance, budgeting and forecasting. Technical proficiency – Demonstrated ability to work with accounting software for budgeting, financial modelling and reporting. Collaboration and supervision - Proven ability to work cross-functionally with other departments and act as a business partner to support financial decision-making.Senior-level positionsLeadership experience – 7+ years of leadership experience with a deep understanding of accounting principles and financial strategy. Advanced knowledge – Extensive expertise in financial reporting, taxation and risk management. Strategic contributions – A history of impactful contributions, providing actionable financial insights and influencing decision-making at a strategic level.Industry expertise – Delivering specialised industry knowledge to address unique financial challenges and leverage industry-specific opportunities.Understandably, more experienced finance and accounting professionals can command higher remuneration due to their expertise, skills and ability to contribute strategically. So, if you’re looking to progress your accounting career, there could be some major financial benefits.
What you need to know about an accounting salary
According to Pascale Desplentere, Associate Director at Robert Half and specialised finance and accounting recruiter, the hiring market for finance and accounting staff is slowly heating up again. She says, “Businesses will be on the hunt for finance and accounting talent in 2025. In compiling our latest Salary Guide, we’ve discovered that one-third (34%) of firms are planning to hire extra finance talent permanently, and 33% will be opting to increase the number of contractors in their team.” While this is great news for finance and accounting professionals, Pascale acknowledges that they want fair compensation in exchange for their experience and expertise. “I’ve spoken with many professionals who take a lot of pride in what they do but are feeling frustrated about pay stagnation. There is a lot of anxiety about fair compensation at the moment, and I want all finance and accounting professionals to feel educated and empowered when they approach these major discussions,” she says. When it comes to an accounting salary in Australia, it’s important to recognise that your earning potential is influenced by your level of experience, education and the industry you work in. According to The Robert Half Salary Guide, accounting professionals can typically expect salaries around the below ranges**:Junior position (i.e., Accounts Payable Officer or Accounts Receivable Officer) Beginner -$70k Mid-level - $74kAdvanced -$79kMid-level position (i.e., Financial Accountant) Beginner -$93.5k Mid-level - $103kAdvanced -$112.5kSenior position (i.e., Senior Management Accountant) Beginner -$120k Mid-level - $135kAdvanced -$145kAccounting encompasses a range of different positions – you’ll find all of the below within The Robert Half Salary Guide: Assistant AccountantAccountantSenior AccountantGroup AccountantAccounts / Finance OfficerAccounting ClerkAccounts Payable OfficerAccounts Payable SupervisorAccounts Payable ManagerAccounts Receivable OfficerAccounts Receivable SupervisorAccounts Receivable ManagerBookkeeperCorporate AccountantCost AccountantFinancial AccountantSenior Financial AccountantManagement AccountantSenior Management AccountantProject AccountantNeed help finding a job? Let Robert Half help you today.As we enter 2025, Pascale says it’s important to acknowledge the key accounting salary trends. She says, “We have just launched the 2025 Robert Half Australia Salary Guide. Overall, accounting salaries in 2025 vs 2024 are fairly consistent. That said, there has been some noticeable uplift in some entry-level salaries. It signals a strategic shift by businesses to try and fill these positions and avoid long-term consequences like including missing out on top candidates, widening skills gaps and increasing staff burnout and turnover.”Pascale encourages all accounting professionals to review the latest data because, in some cases, there will be state-by-state variations.“Location has a considerable impact on salaries. To give an example, an accounting salary in Perth sits 9% above the national average. When you consider factors such as competition, availability of talent and regional talent costs, it makes sense that some regions would need to offer more,” she says. “Take the time to identify the general salary range for your role. Of course, factors like education, skills and experience will have an impact but if you’re seeking a higher range, consider advancing your skills, experience and qualifications,” says Pascale.
Tips for negotiating an accounting salary
There’s nothing wrong with wanting to boost your salary. But, a lack of salary transparency and a lot of negotiation anxiety can set you back. When negotiating your accounting salary, it’s important to remember that effort pays off. If you take the time to do your research and build a unique value proposition, you can be on your way to securing fair compensation for your skills and services. Ready to secure a fair package? Be sure to try our four tips below: 1. Know your worth Understanding the prevailing salary trends will help you to navigate negotiations so you can be confident in your worth and make a compelling case.Undertake your own research and consider how the offer fits in the context of the wider market. The Robert Half Salary Guide offers comprehensive salary data and insights to help you determine whether an offer is within the market range for your experience and position level. If the offer is below the market averages or you feel you are worth more, it’s important to justify this to your employer or prospective employer. Pascale encourages candidates to be realistic. She says, “In a competitive sector like finance and accounting, you must negotiate from an informed position. Be realistic - ask yourself whether you’re in a position to negotiate a higher salary or whether you need to build on some skills first.”“Identify any regional differences (as outlined in The Robert Half Salary Guide). You might be able to negotiate more based on your location. For example, accounting professionals in Melbourne or Brisbane can only expect a salary that’s 2% above the national average. However, if they were in Sydney, they could expect a salary 8% above the national average,” she says. 2. Prepare for negotiationBefore you start your negotiations, take the time to consider your unique value - evaluate your current role, job history, skills and contributions. Be prepared to justify your desired salary - use quantifiable evidence to highlight your achievements, professional growth activities, and future aspirations while aligning them to the organisation’s objectives. Pascale says evidence is key. “Compile anything that will sharpen your competitive edge – think recent achievements, industry certifications or any niche skill sets that may increase your business appeal.” “While hard skills are critical, don’t discount your soft skills. Having a strong attention to detail and being analytical and adaptable can make for a compelling skill set. In my experience, this kind of candidate can bring a lot to the table in terms of accounting accuracy and all-around agility.” Related: Accounting resume template3. Master the conversationPascale believes preparation, confidence and strategic communication can help you master the conversation during your accounting salary negotiation. She says, “You’d be surprised how often I recommend scripts or templates tailored for common negotiation scenarios. These are really effective across many professions, and they can help you to articulate your value, respond to challenging questions and address counteroffers.”“Many of the accounting professionals I work with have prepared scripts to outline their skills, experience and market trends to justify their desired salary. It’s gone a long way in helping them to remain composed (and persuasive). At the very least, practising responses to tough questions can help you to pre-empt tricky questions.”Remember, negotiation success hinges on how you conduct yourself, so be sure to maintain a collaborative yet confident approach. Remain polite, positive, and professional throughout the process - be open to compromises and feedback, but take charge of the situation positively to help assert your confidence and preparedness for further negotiations.Related: Accounting and finance interview questions4. Leverage market trends2025 is set to bring about some significant market trends. As outlined in the latest Robert Half Salary Guide:Professionals in accounting, payroll and controlling are most in demand, with skills in financial analysis, business partnering, business intelligence tools and month-end management of most interest to employers. With finance talent shortages across the board, healthcare, financial services, retail in the east and mining services in Western Australia are among the sectors with the highest hiring intentions.Compensation remains a key priority for finance and accounting professionals. 34% are expecting pay increases to keep pace with the rising cost of living, and 33% would look for a new job if their expectations aren’t met.Automation is a hot topic in the finance and accounting world, with 31% of firms encouraging their staff to explore generative AI tools for the enhancement of day-to-day routine tasks and to improve productivity.With all of this in mind, Pascale says it’s important to leverage market trends in your accounting salary negotiation. “Be proactive and keep abreast of in-demand accounting skills. Technological advancements are coming quicker than businesses can keep up with, and they want to know that their employees won’t fall behind the curve. Skills in AI, cloud computing and cybersecurity can boost your appeal (and your salary).” Above all, Pascale says it’s important to consider the value beyond salary. She says, “Employers have been guilty of creating their hiring roadblocks in the past. Look at how they might be trying to overcome these obstacles by offering things like career development opportunities, unique company culture and hybrid work options.”“Evaluate the package as a whole – salary shouldn’t be your sole consideration. Things like flexible work hours, hybrid working models and extra annual leave entitlements can help to enrich your employee experience and form the best package for you,” she says. For accounting professionals like yourself, 2025 is the year to take your ambitions to new heights. Knowledge is power - by taking the time to equip yourself with the right information, you can negotiate to your advantage and navigate critical salary conversations with confidence. Looking for finance and accounting opportunities? Robert Half is ready to match your skills with some exciting opportunities.Uncover your earning potential in the Robert Half Salary Guide so you can start your salary discussions with the most up-to-date salary data and insights. *Source: The non-salary data presented is derived from an online survey conducted by an independent research firm commissioned by Robert Half in November 2024. The survey gathered responses from 500 hiring managers in finance, accounting, business support, and IT and technology. Respondents are drawn from a sample of SMEs to large private, publicly-listed and public sector organisations across Australia.**The salaries listed in the salary tables represent gross yearly salaries. They do not include bonuses, benefits or superannuation. We report salaries in three percentiles, recognising that professionals join companies at varied experience levels.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the average accounting salary?According to The Robert Half Salary Guide, the average accounting salary sits around the below range: Beginner - $91,000Mid-level - $101,675Advanced – $114,300What is the salary range for accountants?According to The Robert Half Salary Guide, accounting professionals can typically expect salaries around the below ranges**:Junior position (i.e., Accounts Payable Officer or Accounts Receivable Officer) Beginner -$70,000Mid-level - $74,000Advanced -$79,000Mid-level position (i.e., Financial Accountant) Beginner -$93,500Mid-level - $103,000Advanced -$112,500Senior position (i.e., Senior Management Accountant) Beginner -$120,000Mid-level - $135,000Advanced -$145,000What factors influence an accountant’s salary? Many factors can influence your accounting salary, particularly:Education and certificationSkillsExperienceLocationDo accountants get paid well?Accountants are generally well-compensated in Australia. Accounting salaries reflect the employee’s qualifications, experience and specialist skills. The profession is in demand, offering competitive pay and opportunities for growth. What do accountants earn in Australia?An accountant in Australia can typically expect to earn around the below range: Beginner -$95,500Mid-level - $108,000Advanced -$114,500What is the highest paying accounting job?According to The Robert Half Salary Guide, the highest-paid accounting job is a Senior Management Accountant. Typically, this role would see a salary range of: Beginner -$120,000Mid-level - $135,000Advanced -$145,000How much are accountants paid in Sydney?On average, accountants in Sydney are paid roughly 8% above the national average.